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In a sea of students whose clothing choices either scream for attention or seem to have no self-awareness at all, it can be refreshing to see a well-considered but still understated outfit. This week’s Fashionista walks the line well, looking put together without seeming overdone in a simple dress and subtly unique accessories.

Name: Jessina Leonard

Major: Studio Art with a minor in English Writing

Year: Senior

CollegeFashionista: What are your favorite places to shop?

Jessina Leonard: I have been trying to buy more used things, so I’ll go to places like Plato’s Closet or resale stores. If I’m feeling like buying something nice, it probably will be Madewell. Or if I need something basic I’ll go to Urban Outfitters.

CF: What most influences the way you dress?

JL: I would say my friends and how they dress. But I was also very interested in history growing up, and so I feel like those images of migrant women in lots of linen and all those patterns come up when I think about what I’m wearing. I like kind of old-fashioned, pioneer wear.

CF: What is your favorite thing about clothing?

JL: I like that it is something that I can orchestrate or plan out aesthetically every day. I also like really simple understated things. I don’t like to be flashy, I guess. But it is something that I do very much think about and I always take joy in putting together certain patterns or certain colors, much in the way that you would do with art.

CF: So do you see the way that you dress as being connected to the overarching way in which you think about aesthetics?

JL: Oh yeah. I’ve been told by a lot of people that I’m pretty consistent in what I like and I think that comes through in what I wear. I’m drawn to minimalist things and very simple, neutral colors, and I think that plays out in what I wear as well as in my other aesthetic choices. And also what I mentioned before about this almost historical element coming in— I think that’s important to me.

CF: What are some of your go-to wardrobe items right now?

JL: These sandals, because it’s warm and I want to wear them everyday. I have this orange tweed skirt that I love and that I wear a lot. It’s nice because you can wear it if it’s warm or cold or anything between. I’ve been kind of into wearing mismatching earrings recently, small ones that you might not even notice like a triangle and a circle. And I also have this blue polka-dot scarf that a friend gave me from Italy that I’ve been wearing because it’s very light and so it works only in the spring.

How To: To channel Jessina’s understated elegance, top a cream lace dress with a neutral cardigan. Add some simple leather sandals and accessorize with quirky rings.